THE INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FRATERNITY NEWSLETTER

MARCH 2016

Fraternity2 News

The Kansas City and Phoenix Chorales with Artistic Director and SAI National Arts Associate Charles Bruffy (front Collegiate3 center). Chapter Bruffy, Chorales Win Grammy Comment he Kansas City Alumnae Chapter congratulates performances of the work by the combined ensembles in Charles Bruffy, Artistic Director and SAI National April and May 2014 in Phoenix and Kansas City. Arts Associate, and Jessica Salley, KC Chorale “I could not be more thrilled,” Bruffy said. “And am member and KC Alumnae Chapter member, along with so proud of these amazing singers who have so willingly the other members of the KC Chorale and Phoenix gone on this journey with me, and of the overwhelming 5 Chorale, for winning Best Choral Performance Grammy international reception this album has received.” Alumnae on Feb. 15 for Rachmaninoff All-Night Vigil. Their album Since its March 2015 release, Rachmaninoff: All- was also nominated for Best Engineering, Classical. night Vigil skyrocketed to popularity, achieving multiple Chapter The National Academy of Recording Arts and milestones, including: 5 weeks on Billboard Charts; a Comment Sciences awarded the Kansas City Chorale and the Number One debut on Billboard Traditional Classical Phoenix Chorale one Grammy Award at the 58th Annual Chart; a Number Three debut on Billboard Classical Chart Gregory Dickens Grammy awards held Feb. 15 in Los Angeles at the Staples (Includes crossover albums); and Number Three Amazon PUBLICATIONS Center. Artistic Director and SAI National Arts Associate sales charts, including Opera/Vocal, Chamber, & Classical MANAGER Charles Bruffy won for “Best Choral Performance.” Rachmaninoff: All-night Vigil is distributed by Naxos Including this win, the KC Chorale recordings have now of America, the #1 independent classical music distributor Ruth Sieber Johnson earned a combined total of nine nominations and five in the U.S. and Canada, specializing in state-of-the-art EXECUTIVE wins. KC Alumnae Chapter member Jessica Salley is also a distribution, marketing and promotion. DIRECTOR member of the KC Chorale. One of the most admired choral conductors in Linda McAlpin The album was recorded at St. Peter’s Cathedral the United States, conductor Charles Bruffy began his ALUMNAE in Kansas City, KS, by the Kansas City Chorale and career as a tenor soloist, performing with the Robert Shaw COMMENT EDITOR the Phoenix Chorale under the direction of Bruffy. The Festival Singers. Robert Shaw encouraged his development CONTACT US recording was released by Chandos Records on the 100th as a conductor, and, in 1996, he was invited by National 828.251.0606 anniversary of the world premiere of the work given by Public Radio to help celebrate Shaw’s eightieth birthday [email protected] the Moscow Synodal Choir on March 10, 1915. Fifty-six Continued on page 2 www.sai-national.org singers appeared on the recording, which followed live 2 fraternity news Continued from page 1 ZETA B PROVINCE DAY

with an on-air tribute. In 1999, The New York Times named him as the he Zeta B Province had a wonderful Province Day on Feb. 6 conductor’s potential heir. He has been Artistic Director of the Kansas hosted by the Delta Iota chapter. All five chapters in the province City Chorale since 1988, of the Phoenix Chorale since 1999, and of were represented with over 30 women in attendance. After the Kansas City Symphony Chorus since 2008. In 2009, he brought the socializing over donuts, we officially started with the Opening Ceremony Phoenix Chorale and Kansas City Chorale to Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln and welcomes from Province Day Committee Chairman Courtney Center for their New York debut. Bryant, myself, and letters from Region II Officer Ginger R. Patterson and He conducts workshops and clinics across the US and abroad, National President Leslie Odom Miller. serves on a number of advisory boards, and served on the Chorus Our first speaker was Dr. Ted Honea, professor at the University of Central Oklahoma, who gave a rousing lecture called “Music America Board for seven years. Respected and renowned for his fresh Education: Endless Vamping on a Tired Tune.” The program described and passionate interpretations of standards of the choral repertoire and the cyclic nature of the support/cuts of music education throughout for championing new music, he has commissioned and premiered works history. After a short break, we had our musicale. Nearly every chapter by composers such as SAI Member Laureate Libby Larsen, Ola Gjeilo, was represented! Performers included a harpist, a clarinet duo, a flutist, Matthew Harris, Zhou Long, Stephen Paulus, Stephen Sametz, Steven and an ensemble piece about the history of Edmond, OK. We have some Stucky, Eric Whitacre, and Chen Yi. Under his supervision, the Roger very talented musicians in Zeta B! During lunch, we had a cake auction Dean Company, a division of the Lorenz Corporation, publishes a choral with the proceeds benefiting SAI Philanthropies, Inc. and El Sistema series specializing in music for professional ensembles and sophisticated Oklahoma; we raised $220 with this event. high school and After lunch, we heard from our second speaker Robyn Hilger, college choirs. His a member of the Normal Alumnae Chapter and Executive Director of eclectic discography El Sistema Oklahoma. Her presentation, “A Mission of Joy and Hope,” includes eight taught us about El Sistema Oklahoma: a well-respected, successful, and recordings for unique after-school program serving over 200 disadvantaged public school Chandos Records. children in Oklahoma City. The mission of El Sistema Oklahoma is to Five of these serve the community by engaging children within an ensemble-based recordings have music program so they can share the joy of music making and grow as received a total responsible citizens. Attendees to Province Day were asked to bring of 12 Grammy school supplies to donate to El Sistema Oklahoma, and the response was nominations and overwhelming. Next was craft time, and we decorated picture frames. As three wins: in everyone finished, I presented “Bringing Convention Home” and asked 2007 for “Best other members to share experiences from convention. Our day concluded Engineered at 4:00 with the Closing Ceremony. Album, Classical” — Alicia Vanderschaaf, Zeta B Province Officer for Grechaninov: Passion Week featuring the Kansas City Chorale and Phoenix Chorale; the 2008 Grammy for “Best Small Ensemble Performance” for Spotless Rose: Hymns to the Virgin Mary featuring the Phoenix Chorale; and Grammys FRATERNITY ED. TIPS in 2012 for “Best Engineered Album, Classical,” and “Best Choral Performance.” Honor Our Ritual Founded in 1981, the Kansas City Chorale is a professional vocal ensemble that enriches local, national, and international communities lease take special care in keeping track of your chapter’s master through its dedication to excellence in performing music from diverse and music ritual books. Use the ritual book sign out sheet historical periods. The Chorale has received an ASCAP Award for -found for printing on the Officer Portal/Document Library/ adventurous programming in addition to receiving multiple Grammy VPR Resources. All Master and Music Ritual books must be present nominations and several wins, most recently in 2012 for “Best Choral at the Province Officer Official Visit. The PO will conduct an official inventory of all ritual materials and books at the OV. In addition, Performance” for Life and Breath: Choral Works by René Clausen. Under the artistic direction of Charles Bruffy since 1988, the Kansas City Alumnae VPRs complete an annual report and inventory each year on the Officer Portal. Chorale has recorded works for Chandos Records and Nimbus Records, and was the first North American choir signed to that label. Do not copy (presentations, email, social media posts) any of the material The Grammy-winning Phoenix Chorale is regarded as one of the from the Ritual Book. It would never be appropriate to do so. finest choral ensembles in North America. What began in 1958 as a small study group of singers became a fully professional choir in 1992 made — Tracy Wygal Withrow, up of Arizona residents: highly educated and trained singers, teachers National Vice-President, Ritual and Fraternity Education and professionals. In 2004, the Phoenix Chorale became the first North American choir to record for the U.K.’s prestigious Chandos Records and, For more Fraternity Education Inspiration, since then, the Chorale’s recordings have earned a total of 12 Grammy visit the Officer Portal Document Library. nominations and four Grammy wins. — kcchorale.org Tempo! • March 2016 • sai-national.org collegiate comment 3 EPSILON — Ithaca (NY) College for Music & Memory. This past December, the chapter hosted their annual Holly Hop At our traditional joint recital with Phi Mu Alpha in October, seniors event to benefit the charity Toys for Tots. The event took place in Kailey Kelley and Courtney Ham sang Rossini’s “Duetto buffo di due the Whalen School of Music and was a great success for the chapter. gatti (a comic duet for two cats).” Between operatic meows and hisses, the Currently, the sisters are preparing for this semester’s recruitment week, audience howled with laughter. scheduled to begin on Feb. 7, including a Pipes of Pancakes evening, a At the Kappa A Province Weekend in January, several sisters got Dance-Off competition, and closing with a Formal Fondue event. to know members of neighboring chapters and shared our favorite SAI Several sisters of the chapter have been preparing for upcoming recitals stories. Beta Xi looks forward to welcoming our new member class, and and performances; sisters Katherine Filatov and Erin Dowler both we hope to have another wonderful year in 2016! — Eva Frederick, editor performed elective clarinet recitals on Jan. 29 and 30, respectively. The upcoming Ithaca College Main Stage Opera production of Handel’s GAMMA UPSILON - Morehead State (KY) University Semele this February will also feature sisters Megan Benjamin and Sherley- On Oct. 1, five sisters of the Gamma Upsilon chapter paid a visit Ann Belleus. Other recitals and performances featuring sisters of all to National Headquarters. Brook Allen, Amanda Bennett, Elizabeth grades are scheduled to occur throughout each of the remaining months Bennett, Brittany Giles, and Faith Peters helped by sorting brochures, of the semester. — Megan Benjamin, editor Invitations to Membership, window clings, and envelopes. They had the opportunity to sing “Happy Birthday” and “The Whistle Song” to one THETA - Washburn University, Topeka, KS of the national staff. In addition, they were graciously given a tour of the On Jan. 28, we had the privilege of inviting five wonderful young facility by Ruth Sieber Johnson and had the pleasure of hearing her sing. ladies to join our own cherished sisterhood. Our newest members The chapter had its first fall class of MITs in many years and in training include freshmen Sienna Haynes, Sydney Donaldson, welcomed Rachel Fisher, Kaitlynn May, Heather Milby, Kaitlyn Osborn, and Delanie Combs, and sophomores Victoria McManus and Emily Rikki Overman, Ellie Radcliffe, and Ariel Snider into the fraternity. On Winterburg. All students are dedicated musicians, endowed with various Nov. 2, our chapter partnered with the Theta Pi chapter of Phi Mu Alpha skills and talents which will add to the diversity of our chapter. to host a Fall Festival where $180 was raised for People-to-People. Our Pledging Ceremony was an absolute testament to sisterly love and — Faith Peters, editor affection. As we celebrated the new members, we also enjoyed a brief reunion with one of our recently graduated sisters, Rayna Goldsmith. DELTA SIGMA — University of Dayton, Ohio Rayna was kind enough to serve as our pianist for the ceremony, and she On Dec.11, Delta Sigma devoted a whole day to service to the performed beautifully. Her presence during that special time inspired a community. The sisters passed out free doughnuts at our annual “Free feeling of legacy unique to our usual group activities. Food Friday” event which occurs the last Friday of classes each semester. — Annastasia Glover, editor Students and professors came by to grab their favorite donut to provide a little stress relief before finals week. IOTA BETA - Murray State (KY) University That night, current members and alumnae, along with the The chapter continued its partnership with the Gamma Delta president of the Dayton Alumnae Chapter, Robin Dodge, gathered for Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia to host the 79th Annual Campus an evening of service by making fleece tie blankets for St. Vincent De Lights on Jan. 22-24. Campus Lights is the longest standing student- Paul, a local women’s homeless shelter. Members of the alumnae chapter run production in the South. This event is completely student directed, graciously donated extra fleece to help be a part of our project. The sisters student built, and student taught. All aspects of the show are made sang along to a variety of Christmas songs, heard stories from the alumnae possible by the various talents of all the students who participate in the about our chapter, which recently celebrated 50 years, and shared many laughs together. Together, there were a total of 25 warm, soft fleece event. The Broadway musicalHairspray was chosen as this year’s show to showcase talent, as well as to celebrate the 60th anniversary of integration blankets for the women at the shelter! — Devanne Hargis, editor at Murray State. The proceeds from ticket sales and merchandise sales Delta Sigma sister are donated so the fraternities may offer music scholarships to incoming Devanne Hargis freshmen. This tradition has become a beloved piece of history for both with fleece tie chapters and the continuation of this event furthers music on the campus, blankets made by in the community, and throughout the world. — Jennifer Roberts, editor the Delta Sigma chapter, alumnae of Delta Sigma, and BETA XI - The University of Texas at Austin the Dayton Alumnae Chapter for St. Our bake sales in the music building featured delicious pumpkin Vincent De Paul, muffins, apple roses made with love, donuts, and coffee. Proceeds went to a local women’s Music & Memory, which helps Alzheimer’s patients through the power shelter. of music. Judging by the gallons of coffee we sold, we helped some very sleepy music students, too. In September 2015, the Austin Alumnae Chapter screened Alive Inside for our chapter member, and we discussed new ways to raise money

Send collegiate chapter submissions to collegiatecomment@ sai-national.org. Send photo submissions to Gregory Dickens at [email protected]. sai-national.org • March 2016 • Tempo! 4 collegiate comment

Zeta Omicron and Kappa Iota performed at Zeta Omicron’s Christmas musicale in December.

ZETA OMICRON -- Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN with the Music Department, Mu Gamma has hosted an Etiquette recital The chapter was joined by Tennessee State University’s Kappa Iota for and a ‘90s throwback concert, both for which music majors received a Christmas musicale on Dec. 5 in Nashville. Kappa Iota performed an credit. The chapter has cohosted Open Mic Nights with various organiza- a cappella version of the Nat King Cole classic, “A Christmas Song.” The tions on campus. musicale, titled “Milk and Cookies,” included songs and carols featuring The chapter has also ushered for concerts and recitals on and off cam- Santa Claus. The performance featured instrumental, vocal, and dance pus, events included the Music Department Freshmen recital, Handels’ performances by Zeta Omicron members and friends. The musicale Oratorio Messiah, The HU Chamber orchestra, EMA Music and Arts concluded with both chapters singing the SAI chorale. Zeta Omicron Christmas recital, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Concert. enjoyed making new friends and hopes to continue to strengthen its The chapter is also actively involved in the community, hosting relationship with other chapters! — Colleen Casner, editor food and clothing drives, participating in service days, and volunteering at community events. In efforts to meet philanthropy goals, the chapter is Theta Tau hosted hosting a recycled music items drive. The chapter has also made efforts to Carols for a aid in the recent water crisis in Flint, MI, donating cases of water. Cause and col- — Atiya Strange, editor lected canned goods to be do- nated to the local MU OMICRON - Bethel University (TN) food pantry, as One of the newest SAI chapters, Mu Omicron, performed carols in well as financial downtown McKenzie, TN, on Nov. 22 to raise money for a local school’s donations for music program. The chapter raised $80 and plans to present it to the People-to-People. school in February. The sisters are kicked off their first-ever recruitment drive the Monday after their official visit, in February. Their theme for recruitment this semester is The 1920s. — Cheyenne Geyer, editor

THETA TAU - Southern Illinois University This past December, the chapter hosted Carols for a Cause, a Christmas concert that consisted of solos, duets, brass quartets, and choral performances. Members collected canned goods to be donated to the local food pantry, as well as cash donations for People-to-People. Some of the songs they performed were “Carol of the Bells,” “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” “Silent Night,” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.” Members of Phi Mu Alpha’s Epsilon Kappa chapter were asked to accompany as duet partners and accompanist. -- Jessie Quick, editor

MU GAMMA – Hampton (VA) University The chapter is committed to raising standards of music on the campus of Hampton University and in the Hampton community. Working closely Members of Mu Omicron.

Tempo! • March 2016 • sai-national.org alumnae comment 5 Austin (TX) — On Sept. 20, the chapter began the year by inviting Theater International and iTheatrics, bringing musical theater to thousands Beta Xi (The University of Texas at Austin) and Theta Omega (Texas State of young students in small and underserved schools throughout the country. University) chapters to a join them for a viewing of the filmAlive Inside. Cindy is also a member of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the The film, which has been featured inPAN PIPES, follows Dan Cohen in his Humanities. An extensive article on Cindy’s work appeared in the Spring pursuit to help dementia and Alzheimer patients through the use of music. 2015 edition of PAN PIPES. She also served as keynote speaker at the 2015 There were many moments of laughter and tears at the power and beauty of SAI National Convention in St. Louis. healing through music. After the film, the attendees sat and talked with one At the same event, Cindy’s husband, Allan Ripley, was initiated another, and were able to go around the room and learn a little more about as Buffalo Chapter Friend of the Arts. After a 32-year career in music their sisters. It was wonderful to have so many SAI sisters all together and education in Western New York, Al continues to work with Cindy in be able to hear from others about what inspired them to join SAI and how her work with MTI and iTheatrics. He was executive director of the Erie it has impacted their life. In attendance were chapter charter member Mary County Music Educators Association and is an ex officio member of the Morgan as well as several new SAIs from the collegiate chapters. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Board of Trustees. chapter plans to continue to foster sisterhood by hosting regular inter- On Dec. 6, the Amherst Bel Canto Choirs, directed by chapter member chapter events. — Lauren Cunningham, editor Sue Fay Allen, gave their annual concert, a joint-fundraising effort for the chapter and the choirs. An SAI Musicale by Elizabeth Parkes, Marissa Bloomington (IN) — Kathryn Lukas, SAI Honorary Member and Greenwald, and Jane Cary rounded out the benefit recital. Professor of Flute at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, and Mary And on Jan. 9, members enjoyed what is also now an annual event: Ann Hart, Chair of the Voice Department at Indiana University Jacobs our “Cabin Fever” dinner! While our Western New York winter has been School of Music, were featured in the annual Matinee Musicale on Sept. very mild (so far!), it was great to get together “in the bleak midwinter” for 27. The musicale is the chapter’s main fundraiser and is used to support wonderful food and fellowship with members and guests! scholarships and local music organizations. In October, the chapter enjoyed — Carole Harris, editor an Opening Tea and a musicale presented by members Kelli Paul (clarinet), Erin Thompson (violin), Diane Rivera (piano), and guest Dominic Fort Wayne (IN) — We have our website up and running, Thompson (trombone). In November, member Vicki King and with her thanks to President Melanie Kellogg, at saifortwaynewix.com/ husband, Thomas (tenor), demonstrated the many keyboard instruments saifortwayne. One of our chapter goals is to be more active on social in their home. We heard an ottavino harpsichord, a Muselar virginal, a media sites. Flemish single harpsichord, an unfretted clavichord, and a fortepiano. Our chapter’s largest fundraiser — a benefit concert and tea — was An affiliation ceremony was also held for new members. At the January held on Nov. 1, raising $1,600. There were 18 performers, including one of meeting in Meadowood Retirement Community, two members provided our 2015 Youth Orchestra scholarship winners. Proceeds benefit our many a musicale: Lesley Friend (soprano) and Victoria Simkins (soprano scholarships. Treasurer Jackie Hinsey set up a chapter account so anyone saxophone), accompanied by Vicki King (piano). — Mary Ruth Yates, editor can access PayPal to donate, pay dues, etc. She also provided a step-by-step Buffalo (NY) — Chapter members enjoyed some outstanding handout. This further facilitates our social media goal. events over the wintertime! In what has now become an annual event, We had a joyous December meeting at the home of Past National members and guests alike had a terrific time at the Nov. 14 “SAI Sisters Are President Ginny Johnson, and members from Zeta Psi Chapter joined us. Special” Tea. The program featured the Chamber Singer ensemble from the Fort Wayne Our own Cindy Ripley was initiated as SAI Member Laureate in Children’s Choir led by their Executive Director, Jonathan Busarow. There tribute to her amazing work as a music educator. Her 33-year career as vocal also were lots of Christmas carols sung by all, followed by an Incorporation educator and music department chair in the Gowanda Central School Day ceremony led by VP-Ritual Colleen Phillips which included both Zeta District in rural Western New York led to her ongoing work with Music Psi and alumnae members. There was also an affiliation ceremony for new member Lindsay Platt. It was a happy, loving meeting and a meaningful cap From left, Ruth to 2015. — Tess Reiling, editor Wurster, Buffalo Alumnae Chapter Vice President, Lansing/East Lansing (MI) — The members have been Ritual, Member hard at work fundraising for their third annual Paving the Way for Young Laureate Cindy Musicians scholarship program. This program is dedicated to offering music Ripley, Friend of the Arts Allan scholarships to students in sixth through twelfth grades in the Ingham, Ripley, and Buffalo Eaton, Clinton, Jackson, and Shiawassee Counties. The scholarship Alumnae Chapter program was developed in accord with SAI’s dedication to the cause of President Deb music education in local communities and throughout the world. Since Jasinski. its inception in 2013-2014, the chapter has awarded a total of more than $1,000 in scholarships. Currently, the chapter has raised a total of $1,634.95 for this year’s awarded scholarships! Events and ideas that have assisted in raising this amount include SAI National Convention Phlea-Phlam, summer garage sale, monthly-meeting bag fundraiser, Olga’s Kitchen fundraiser, and PartyLite candle fundraiser. To learn moreabout t he scholarship program, visit our website at sailansingalumni. webs.com. — Amanda Gatt, editor

sai-national.org • March 2016 • Tempo! 6 alumnae comment The November meeting at Philanthropies Board Member Tamara Friedlander’s home in Philadelphia included a musicale by Sharvis Smith singing and playing her ukulele, affiliation of Emily Myer, and a review of committee members’ duties by Lauren Parsinitz. Also in November, a marathon recital for the benefit of SAI Philanthropies at the United Church of Christ in Glenside featured Paula Savastano and her students on flute, Rheta Smith on English horn and piano, Joan Krzywicki on piano, and the Song Sheets, followed by all members singing the SAI Chorale. The December Board meeting was held in Bridgeton, NJ, at the home of President Lauren Nicosia and included an Incorporation Day ceremony. — Barbara Ostroff, editor

Students of Las Vegas Alumnae Chapter member Lindsey O’Connor Pontchartrain (MI) — Pontchartrain members were sneaky in performed for the chapter’s January meeting. awarding Chapter President Lucia Bahorich the well-deserved Sword of Honor in November, and the surprise worked! The annual holiday party Las Vegas (NV) – In October, the chapter selected its scholarship was attended by many chapter members, Friends of the Arts, guests from winner, Amanda Geisler, a voice major at UNLV. Christmas caroling was the Ann Arbor and Detroit Alumnae Chapters, and Alpha A Province our December activity. The patients at the St. Joseph Rehab Center and Officer Bernadette Skodack. Harriette Hafer was awarded her sixty- the University Medical Center pediatric ward were treated to the carols year membership certificate! In December, Lauren Erickson, Lauren from members Lisa Jablonski, Kimberly Philips, Marilyn White, Chris Walter, Cathy Feldman-Duncan, and Alex Duncan played music for Heisler, and Zusie Umali. patients at local hospitals as part of the chapter’s service projects. They At the Las Vegas Alumnae’s January SAI meeting, the members were wonderful events and were an opportunity for patients to forget experienced a special musicale at the home of SAI Philanthropies Board about their illnesses for awhile. Honorary Member Marina Arsenijevic Member Kim Philips, and the performers were students of member was presented with the Golden Pin by the Cultural and Educational Lindsey O’Connor. Parents and friends were invited to the musicale of Institution in Serbia for 2015 under the auspices of Ministry of Foreign young teenagers. The alumnae group thought it would be nice to give Affairs and Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of exposure to the young musicians, and it was a delight to all attendees. Serbia for her unconditional, devoted and long standing contributions to The musicians ranged from eighth to twelfth graders. Hopefully this can Serbian culture. The Michigan Philharmonic was awarded The American become a regular event for the alumnae members. This was not only a Prize second place in Orchestral Performance 2015. The music director delight for the audience, but the students were able to put their best feet is National Arts Associate Nan Washburn, and chapter member Shelly forward and show their accomplishments. — Chris Heisler, editor Rouse-Freitag performs flute and piccolo with the orchestra. As part of its yearly donations, Pontchartrain awarded scholarships to three students Long Beach (CA) — The chapter is especially proud of two to attend summer music camps and recently donated to the local classical members who were in national tours during this past Christmas season: public radio station as day-sponsor. — Marie Bonello, editor VP-Ritual Ashley Stanbury appeared as one of three singers in An Irish Christmas, which played 26 performances in 14 states. Abby Bolin Carlson performed the role of Mrs. Santa in Rudolph the Musical in 34 performances in 16 states. Abby teaches and sings in the Long Beach area. Both ladies are former Gamma Pi Chapter members and are active in their profession. — Helen O’Lone, editor

New York (NY) — The chapter welcomes an addition to our emeritus member list: Carolyn Geer, initiated in 1951 at the Oklahoma College for Women (now the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma). This milestone was celebrated in November. Sisters visited Carolyn at her home in New York City to present her 50-year pin and to sing some of her favorite songs from her years as a professional vocalist. Carolyn has had a robust career, ranging from off-Broadway performances to recitals in nursing homes. It’s a well-earned recognition! — Angela Zurlo, editor

Philadelphia (PA) — In September, the chapter met at Bunker Hill Presbyterian Church in Sewell, NJ, and heard President Lauren Nicosia’s convention report. The Song Sheets entertained us with songs performed at convention. The October meeting at the home of Barbara Ostroff featured a musicale by Friend of the Arts Arnold Ostroff with a discussion and performance of the first movement of Beethoven’s Pontchartrain Alumnae Chapter President Lucia Bahorich (left), with “Moonlight Sonata.” Also in October, several members participated in a Lauren Erickson, VP-Ritual (right), was awarded the Sword of Honor in service project musicale at St. Ignatius Nursing Home in Philadelphia. November.

Tempo! • March 2016 • sai-national.org alumnae comment 7 At left, Betty Lou McGowan shares her Seattle Opera Artist Aides award with the Seattle Alumnae Chapter.

The Reno Alumnae Chapter celebrated its 20th anniversary with a Murder Mystery dinner party.

Reno (NV) — Happy birthday to us! The chapter was founded 20 years ago, and we celebrated the event with a Murder Mystery dinner! After much sleuthing, Linda Brown was found to be the perpetrator of the Seattle Opera Artist Aides. Her work included everything from providing dastardly deed. We then dined and basked in the awards for our creatively transportation and hosting artists, to creating settings for dinners and worked costumes and character presentations. receptions. Janice Gockel has been conducting an annual Messiah Sing/ Our birthday celebration was followed in short order by our Play Along as a benefit for FamilyWorks Food Bank for 29 years. The Christmas party, held at Christy Gilkey’s lovely home. After a voluminous December 2015 event brought in 194 pounds of food and more than potluck, we sang well into the evening. $1,200 in cash donations. Louanne Shelton received Washington’s AARP Amanda Craig managed to tempt our members by rock — but our Life Reimagined Award in November. When Louanne was no longer able chapter’s “rock stars” in fact spent our family night belaying, or more to reach out with music as a pianist, she found a new source of expression precisely scrambling up and down an indoor rock cliff, as the snow was in ballroom dancing, eventually winning competitions with her artist falling outside. Those of us around for most, if not all, of the chapter’s teacher/dancing partner, Andre Yeremin. — Janice Gockel, editor twenty-year existence deferred to those hardier souls who had still been in Tacoma (WA) — diapers when our chapter was founded. But it was a fun first experience for The September meeting of the chapter was hosted by Erica Minneman. The musical program featured the SAI much of the group. — Ann Owen, editor Trio: violinists Joanne Iverson and Sue Docken and cellist Karen Rockford (IL) — Counting down from Feb. 1, there are three Hemming. They performed a trio by Respighi followed by a cello solo months and twenty-two days until the Rockford Alumnae Chapter’s played by Hemming. Plans for the chapter’s sponsorship of Province sixtieth anniversary luncheon! The celebration will take place on May 22, Day in October were discussed. Erin Guinup, who presented a program 2016. We have been working hard to get everything organized for the at the SAI National Convention in St. Louis, reported that she had been big day...invitations to prepare, historical displays to create, and pieces of interviewed about her program by the Seattle PBS station KCTS for music to practice. In addition, the Rockford Alumnae Chapter is excited inclusion in their program, “Women Who Inspire.” to announce that Rockford, Illinois, native and composer, Joel Ross, has Province Day, hosted by the chapter, was Oct. 10. Sisters from been commissioned to write a piece to honor our sixtieth anniversary. chapters in Seattle, Spokane, and Moscow, Idaho, were present. Province The purpose of this piece is to spread the alumnae chapter’s love of music Officer Mayalisa Bordenkircher presented a lecture provided by National throughout the Rockford music community and beyond for all the years Headquarters entitled “Nurturing Sisterhood.” There were also reports to come. Stay tuned for our next anniversary update in the next Tempo! on the National Convention led by Gayla Elverson and Mayalisa Bordenkircher. The musicale for the day was divided into two sessions – — Lindsay Guinand, editor morning and afternoon – and featured musicians from each chapter. A Seattle (WA) — The chapter is proud of the accomplishments raffle to support SAI Philanthropies, Inc. was conducted by the students of its sisters, in the community, and in their personal lives. Betty Lou from Beta Delta. — Dr. Evangeline Rimbach, editor McGowan was recognized by Seattle Opera for her 40 years of service to Alumnae Comment Editor Linda McAlpin, a Delta Alpha initiate and a member of the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter, can be In the November Tempo!, the Bloomington Alumnae Chapter was reached at [email protected]. Send photo incorrectly identified as being in Illinois. The chapter is in Indiana. submissions to Gregory Dickens at [email protected]. sai-national.org • March 2016 • Tempo! INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FRATERNITFRATERNITYY Tempo! MARCH 2016 ONE TUNNEL ROAD ASHEVILLE, NC 28805

The attendees at Nu Province Day hosted by the Tacoma Alumnae Chapter in October.

Tulsa (OK) — Chapter activities of Fall 2015 included affiliation of two new members, election of a new Hostess Vice President, a fundraiser to benefit the chapter›s service projects, and Christmas caroling at two assisted living centers in Tulsa. Our new affiliates are Megan Gibson and Michelle Barnes, who became members during the chapter’s Oct. 24 meeting. At the same meeting, Patroness-with-Training Mary Hargrave was elected to fill the vacant position of Hostess Vice President. November 10 brought SAIs, spouses, and friends to Hideaway Pizza for a fundraising event dedicated to underwriting the chapter service projects. A delightful morning of Christmas caroling at two Tulsa assisted living centers featured holiday cheer and the joyous music of the season on December 5. Included in the caroling party was SAI Friend of the Arts Charles Powell who joined his wife Jodi and her fellow alumnae in the caroling. Jodi Powell presented the chapter with a beautiful, lovingly embroidered handmade SAI-inspired tablecloth at the October meeting. — Sue Amstutz, editor

Washington (DC) — In November, the chapter performed a musicale at Manor Care in Chevy Chase, MD. Allison Hughes performed a great set of songs for Manor Care’s residents. In December, our chapter had our winter meeting and was happy to welcome new affiliates Carolyn Freel and Tiara Ballard. We also enjoyed a festive sing-a-long, our annual winter silent auction, and some great fraternity education led by our VP- Ritual, Kathryn San Gabriel. This upcoming year the chapter is looking forward to more musicales and Iota A Province Day! Washington DC Alumnae Chapter’s newest affiliates, from left, Eta Mu — Stephanie Cadwell, editor initiate Carolyn Freel and Patroness Tiara Ballard.